A Quick Guide to the Local Food & Drink Scene in Gaston County

2018/05/15

A Quick Guide to the Local Food & Drink Scene in Gaston County

Content

Though most people discover Gaston County through its lakes, rivers, and mountains, the laid-back downtowns and creative cuisine make Gaston a weekend destination, with locally owned coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries rolling out the southern hospitality. Check out Gaston County’s top new and trending spots to stop for a bite or a brew on your next visit.

Coffee Shops and Bakeries

Pearlee & Cille’s in downtown Belmont is a nod to the owner’s great-aunt and grandmother, who used to live in the house-turned-coffee shop. There are comfy sofas where you can curl up with a latte and catch up with a friend over frappes, and quiet corner tables allow you to grab a sandwich and knock out some work. It opens early with fresh donuts and New York-style bagels, moving on to salads, wraps, and ice cream for the lunch crowd. The large patio, fire pit, and playground outside is made for kids, dogs, and a relaxing cup of joe.

Before hitting the peaks and paddles of Gaston County, stop at Famous Toastery for a hearty breakfast. Service is quick and friendly, with an oversized menu of breakfast staples like eggs Benedict, omelets, French toast, and flapjacks. You can enjoy burgers, salads, and sandwiches for lunch. Get there early to grab a sunny spot on the outdoor patio.

Stop by Gaston County’s sweet shops for a post-hike reward. See Jane Bake in downtown McAdenville is a feast for the eyes, with artistically decorated cakes and cupcakes, brownies, and cookies. Watch its Instagram feed for when the softball-size cinnamon rolls and key lime tarts come out of the oven. Mt. Holly’s Queen Bee Bakery is voted Best in Gaston year after year for creative cake flavors like cherry lemon sundrop, Andes mint chocolate chip, almond joy, and orange crush. Pick from cake pops, candies, and more than 20 varieties of cookies in their display case.

Not Your Typical Lunch

* When food truck Pita Wheel set up a storefront in Dallas, its loyal following went with them for the fried pickle Philly steak and cheese, "I Love Lucy" pimento cheese burger, and more. An impressive variety of local beers in the bottle shop is added reason to stop by for lunch. Doffer’s Canteen serves up creative Tex-Mex in downtown Cramerton. Named for the textile workers who switched out spindles of cotton in the local mills, Doffer’s specializes in hefty burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and rice bowls with inventive salsas and seasonings. ## Drinking and Dining

Original brick, natural wood, and steel beams of Table & Market let you know you’re dining in the historic 1800s mill that put McAdenville on the map. Upscale entrees like pan-seared salmon and charbroiled filet are prepared with southern flair, while salads, burgers, and sandwiches offer casual options.

Rivermen Brewing Company in Belmont has launched a menu of fresh and locally sourced salads, flatbreads, and tapas that rival its beer in terms of quality and creativity. Pork jowl tacos, anchovy fries, and wild mushroom ramen are just a sampling of their creative small plates. Signature IPAs and 20 rotating taps round out the taproom and patio menu.

Written by Ann Gibson for RootsRated Media in partnership with Gaston County Gov.